Dear Dr. Debbie,
We haven’t lived in this area long, but have experienced more severe weather in the past month or so than in all our time in our last home. There have been driving hazards due to snow and ice, then tornado threats with strong winds and now a thunderstorm is coming. Our children, ages 1, 3 and 6, are picking up on our vibe of “Was this move a mistake?”
Missing Arizona
Dear M.A.,
Yes, Maryland has extremes of weather with chances of overflowing bodies of water, electricity outages, fallen tree limbs, lightning strikes and, at times in the summer, heat advisories that make it hard to breathe outside.
The important question you are asking is whether your children are affected by your second guesses about the move.
I’m OK, So You’re OK
Children are dependent on their parents for so many things, despite their attempts to challenge your powers, and they don’t feel safe if you don’t appear to be handling things well. You’ve probably noticed that whether your mood is up or down, children tend to match your highs and lows with their behavior. Happy parents generate a positive atmosphere for the family.
On the other hand, your increased anxiety, your self-doubt, your frustration with having to change plans or any disruption to a smoothly running household, heightens the children’s anxiety. This is only compounded while the family is still settling into a new home, a new neighborhood and a fickle climate, which can cause doubts in parents’ minds and raise fears in the children.
New Normal
It may take some time for the family to get used to making plans only after checking weather predictions. (Schools will alert you about late openings and early closings due to the weather.) And you’ll need to keep checking since changes can happen suddenly. And you might want to have an alternate plan in case of the weather. A weather app on your cell phone can give you fairly reliable expectations of what the day, and even the next few days, will bring.
For you and the children to have a better sense of control, learn to read the weather yourselves. The clouds can give you hints. A clear blue sky with white puffy clouds indicates fair weather. Rising, growing clouds could become thunderheads. Dense dark clouds mean rain is likely. Fog or mist may just stay that way through the morning until the sun gets high.
It may take a time or two of getting caught in the rain for you to learn to just keep an umbrella in the car. “Dressing in layers” is a wise strategy for dealing with temperatures (and humidity levels) that can vary widely in a single day.
Knowledge Is Power
Fear comes from not knowing what’s going on and feeling powerless about it. Increase your understanding of weather in general in order to increase your competence in dealing with it. With weather knowledge, you can increase your preparedness for the variety we get in Maryland.
Determine your best source of announcements (radio, television, social media) for current conditions and or immediate actions to be taken in the event of tornadoes, floods or other weather emergencies. If you haven’t yet had the chance to introduce yourselves and exchange contact information with near neighbors, this is a smart pre-emptive move before an emergency situation. One of you can call or text the other with weather news. If one’s house gets flooded, or one’s power goes out or a tree falls on one house and not the other, a good neighbor is good to have.
Get familiar with various weather emergencies. The National Weather Service gives important safety information for different conditions, including what to keep packed in case of a need to evacuate.
Ready for Whatever
Every now and then the weather causes a disruption to getting around. Plan ahead with a stocked pantry, including foods that don’t require electricity for preparation in case of a power failure. And stay current with filling prescriptions so there’s no danger of running out.
During the pandemic, we learned that many in-person interactions can happen over Zoom. But if you still are considering driving, be sure it’s safe to do so. Low lying areas, especially near creeks, rivers and the Chesapeake Bay, are prone to flooding. If you can’t see the road because it’s covered with water, it’s best to turn around. Maryland Transportation Authority will determine whether certain vehicles or ALL vehicles are prohibited from getting on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge due to windy conditions. A closed bridge can definitely put a damper in travel plans. If you have a commute that includes crossing the bridge, you’ll need a backup plan for getting children from school or child care.
Children’s Books
Since your children (and you) have had some new weather experiences since your move, this would be a good topic for family research and discussion. Anne Arundel County Public Library and other library systems have many children’s books that can serve as starting points.
Here are two classics specifically about wind:
“Gilberto and the Wind” by Marie Hall Ets
“The Wind Blew” by Pat Hutchins.
“I Am the Storm” by Jane Yolen covers weather emergencies that have increased with climate change, including a tornado, a blizzard, a forest fire and a hurricane. The story highlights preparedness, community, family togetherness and inner strength. It’s told from a child’s perspective. The core message is that “nature is powerful, but I am powerful, too.”
If you can’t find just the right book to read with your children to match your experiences, write your own story together! Be sure to include the inner strengths that each of you has found for adapting to your new environment.
You can’t control the weather outside, but parents hold the power to control a safe atmosphere at home.
Dr. Debbie
Write your question to Dr. Debbie! Please include age(s) of your child(ren) and other details about the situation or concern.
Deborah Wood, Ph.D. is a child development specialist and founding director of Chesapeake Children’s Museum, located at 25 Silopanna Road in Annapolis. Online reservations are available or call: 410-990-1993. Walk-ins are welcome. There is a Nature Walk on Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. Art and Story Time with Mrs. Spears and Puppy the Puppet is on Mondays at 10:30 a.m.
Chesapeake Children’s Museum is coordinating events across Anne Arundel County using books of poetry about nature as inspiration. The countywide NEA Big Read has events for all ages, many of them free of charge. Note that some events require advance registration.
April 7: Shell Shaking in Shady Side
April 10: “Bringing Back the Sun” at Riviera Beach Library
April 11: Spring Brownie Day and Outdoor Artists at CCM, and African Diaspora Festival at People’s Park
April 12: Poetry Under the Tree at Annearrundel Free School Museum, Eco Learner at CCM
